Ghana has paid tribute to some of its most accomplished diplomats and statesmen in recognition of their decades of service to the nation and the international community.

The honours ceremony, which also celebrated the 101st birthday of legendary diplomat Ambassador Richard Akwei, acknowledged the contributions of four distinguished figures whose work has shaped Ghana’s foreign policy and global standing.

Those honoured included:

Dr. Obed Asamoah, Ghana’s longest-serving Foreign Minister (1982–1997), who also served as Attorney-General and is widely respected as a prolific author and legal mind.

Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, a seasoned diplomat and politician who held multiple roles, including Foreign Minister, Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and Member of Parliament for Keta.

Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, an eminent international diplomat who served as Deputy Foreign Minister, President of the ECOWAS Commission (2002–2006), Executive Secretary of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (2006–2009), and later as a UN Special Representative and AU High Representative for “Silencing the Guns.”

Ambassador Chris Kpodo, a veteran diplomat who joined the Foreign Service in 1973, served as Deputy Foreign Minister and represented Ghana as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo while mentoring generations of young Foreign Service officers.

Organisers of the ceremony emphasised that the wisdom and legacy of these statesmen “will not be discarded or discounted,” noting that their contributions remain a cornerstone of Ghana’s diplomatic heritage.

The recognition event highlighted Ghana’s tradition of producing globally respected diplomats whose service continues to inspire the next generation of foreign policy leaders.